Match Report
Match Report - 26 Dec 2011, St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team drew with Hassocks
The derby day ended in a goalless draw which was more entertaining than the scoreline suggested,giving the good crowd value for money.
Both sides were fully committed from the start and the referee did an excellent job controlling a game that looked like it could boil over at any moment. Although there was no festive goal glut the game ebbed and flowed leaving both groups of spectators on the edge through out the match.
Hassocks, containing 6 ex Rangers players, were without O Callaghan, Hibbert and Slaughter so Gault and Weston played in the middle. Walsh returned for the absent Forward in Rangers only change.
A frantic opening saw Hassocks start the stronger but as the gradually settled down Rangers got a foot hold. Neither side created any real chances in the opening period other than a few long range efforts. Jeramiah drove Hassocks best chance wide whist Walsh had Rangers best effort. Leppard pace caused problems for the home side as did Pamments trickery.
The second half saw Rangers have more control and they created chances through their football, but could not find a way past home keeper. Hassocks best chances came from set plays and the long direct ball.
Rangers had the better of the chances with Walsh heading just wide and Pamment cross clipping the bar.
Westlake and Maynard delivered some great balls in from dead plays and it was from one of these that saw Hassocks best chance. The ball bobbled round the box before it was finally cleared.
All Hassocks better play came down their right and a cross found Gault who drew an excellent save from Gordon.
O Neil played 3 excellent balls between the home defence but Rangers could not quite capitalise.
Subs Pople and Ford then went close. Ford looked like he had opened the scoring but his clever lob was well saved.
Gacias had to be replaced by Perry having pciked up a hamstring injury.
Perry then got free down the right and his excellent cross eluded Leppard who had just gone too early and got in front of the ball.
Ex Rangers player Ben Palmer than saw red for an over the top challenge which left Pamment with a nasty gash on his thigh.
Pople was fortunate he didn't follow by shoving Palmer to the floor.
With 10 against 11 Rangers pushed forward looking for that elusive win but it was Hassocks who had the final chance from a corner which went wide.
Overall Rangers created more opportunities with the football they played but Hassocks also had their chances.
Both sides picked up several cards.
Rangers team; Gordon, Dodd, Charker, Carruthers, O Neil, Gacias (Perry 80mins), Cooper, Clark, Walsh (68mins Pople), Leppard (72mins Ford), Pamment
MOM: O Neil
Hassocks 0 - 0 St Francis Rangers FC 1st Team